EFFICACY OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE AND ULTRASOUND IN TRIGGER POINTS OF UPPER TRAPEZIUS MUSCLE ON PAIN, RANGE OF MOTION, DISABILITY AMONG SUBJECTS WITH MECHANICAL NECK PAIN

Background: Mechanical neck pain is highly prevalent, affecting 45–54% of the population, and is frequently linked to poor posture, muscle imbalance, and myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius. These trigger points contribute to localized pain, reduced cervical range of motion (ROM), and functional disability. To evaluate the effectiveness of combined myofascial release (MFR) Objective: and therapeutic ultrasound in reducing pain, improving ROM, and decreasing disability in individuals with mechanical neck pain associated with upper trapezius trigger points. Methods: Thirty participants (aged 20–45 years) with mechanical neck pain and at least one active trapezius trigger point were recruited through simple random sampling. Interventions consisted of MFR and ultrasound therapy, administered three times weekly for four weeks. Pain (Numerical Pain Rating Scale), cervical ROM (goniometer), and disability (Neck Disability Index) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: Post-treatment analysis demonstrated signicant improvements (p < 0.05) in pain reduction, cervical ROM, and functional ability compared with baseline values. The combined application of MFR and therapeutic ultrasound is effecti Conclusion: ve in alleviating pain, enhancing cervical mobility, and reducing disability in individuals with mechanical neck pain associated with upper trapezius trigger points.